News & Events

2009 Party Animals Benefit Raises Over $126,000

 
Columbia, SC— The Animal Mission is proud to announce that the 10th annual Party Animals benefit held on March 27th at the Clarion Town House was a tremendous success, raising over $126,000! More than 400 people in attendance enjoyed a great selection of silent auction items provided by local merchants, delicious food catered by Carrabba's Italian Grill, and a fantastic concert performed by Tootie and the Jones followed by Hootie and the Blowfish.
The event was sponsored by Watford Tile, Southland Sanitation and Delta Dental, as well as many other generous local businesses and individuals.

"The profits from Party Animals will be used to fund spay/neuter surgeries in Columbia and Richland County, which leads to a decrease in the number of unwanted pets in our community," said Julie Ruff, Executive Vice President of the Animal Mission. In 2008, the organization paid over $210,000 for more than 4,250 spay/neuter operations.

Free spay/neuter vouchers were included in all City of Columbia March water bills and are now being distributed through the City Shelter. The spay/neuter vouchers can be redeemed at the HSPCA for free services, or at participating veterinarian offices for discounted services.
 
"Every day, ten thousand humans are born and so are 70,000 puppies and kittens! As long as these birth rates exist, there will never be enough homes for all the animals. It is imperative that groups like The Animal Mission help make spaying/neutering possible for every Midlands pet owner," said Marli Drum, Superintendent of Animal Services for the City of Columbia.

The Animal Mission was founded to provide refuge for lost, unwanted, or mistreated pets and animals, to promote pet adoptions at the City of Columbia Animal Shelter, to enhance conditions and outcomes for shelter-bound animals and to educate people on pet issues and humane treatment of animals.